pre-post, class date: 8/31/11; written date: 8/30/11

Response to and discussion of the reading.

One of the first things I became even more aware of is how ecologically ignorant I am. In For the Beauty of the Earth, as the author began asking question after question regarding our knowledge of “where we are,” I didn’t know a thing about any tree, bird or mammal he mentioned, let alone what makes its home around me- except a palm tree and Spanish moss, of course. And though I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know much of anything about anything, I do care about taking care of the earth and the fullness thereof, so being ecologically ignorant doesn’t so much embarrass, but instead bothers me. Though now that my eyes have been opened, it is fully my choice to put forth an effort to learn, act, preserve etc.

Also regarding For the Beauty of the Earth, I absolutely adore the way it is written. Not only is it informing me, it also entertains me and I found myself very excited and driven to keep reading. Usually something so informative has a tendency to only be informative, which can easily become a dull drag. But Bouma-Prediger is holding my attention with ease and even has me underlining portions I find very interestingly written or relatable.